We live in a town of talent. A talented town. Yet, the talent that's making the most noise, is usually (dare we say it?) without talent. We think of Paris Hilton at this juncture. We think of the many would-be famesters that litter our clubs and sidewalks and cafes while off the set from their "reality" shows involving our fair beaches.
While these no-talents (because haven't we established that?) run around and make a lot of noise, three great writers have been quietly working away in our own backyward. They're now making some noise of their own -- noise worthy of your attention.
Antoine Wilson's The Interloper is just out and the LA Times loved it: "Oh, what thrilling dread, falling in with a character as twisted as the narrator of Antoine Wilson's terrific first novel, "The Interloper." It's like leaving a party with a designated driver, only to discover as you swerve down the driveway that your new friend is drunker than you are. Or worse, completely insane." Yes, it is that good. The creepy factor is high as Owen tries to avenge his brother-in-law's death by assuming the identity of a woman and writing love letters (as a woman!) to his brother-in-law's imprisoned killer. Creepy but funny.
Wilson lives in LA, surfs in LA, teaches in LA and generally loves LA. He'll be reading & signing his debut novel @ Dutton's on May 22nd, 7pm.
Portes' debut novel, Hick, has just been published to rave reviews. The LA Times: "Hick" becomes a demented road trip: Luli is picked up in turn by Eddie Kreezer, a surly and darkly sensual cowboy, and Glenda, a manic cocaine user with a con man's cunning. Eddie and Glenda, as it turns out, are bound together, although Luli doesn't get wind of it until much later. In the meantime, she's jostled by these two — by their pathetic dependency on her — until she begins to feel reassured by their clinginess, even if it is David Lynch-creepy at times." See? David Lynch creepy is a good kind of creepy.
Portes will be reading her from and signing her creepy-yummy book tonight @ Skylight Books, 7:30pm.
This isn't the first time we've praised Denise Hamilton and the outstanding collection of super-creepy noir short stories she pulled together -- which features even more brilliant LA writers. For the past several weeks, Denise and other contributing writers have been signing Los Angeles Noir all over town. If you didn't get a chance to go see them, you've got one final opportunity. With new stories by Susan Straight, Janet Fitch, Michael Connelly, Neal Pollack, Robert Ferrigno & Hamilton herself among others, this is a must-read LA collection and a must-attend event.
Denise & team will be reading & signing today @ Metropolis Books, 4pm. Make it happen. Then make your way to a well-lighted, crowded bar to de-creep and unwind.
